POLI2011 Australian Public Policy: Policy Design

This topic explores the way in which public policies are debated, developed, implemented and analysed. The policy development process is illustrated through an active engagement with policy issues, debates and controversies within the Australian governmental and political context. Because students have the opportunity to apply the principles of policy development and policy analysis to a range of issues, the topic is accessible to students from diverse disciplinary backgrounds and political interests.

This topic aims to provide students with the opportunity to:

• Understand the development of public policy in terms of both ideal principles prescribing good policy development processes and the practical constraints imposed by the political and social context
• Analyse the significance and impact of policy agenda-setting, techniques for policy analysis, policy instruments, policy consultation, policy coordination, policy implementation and policy evaluation
• Apply the principles of public policy development and policy analysis to a range of issues and controversies within the Australian governmental and political context
• Develop and enhance the capacity for independent research into specific policy issues and controversies
• Provide students from a variety of backgrounds and interests - including political science, criminology, social work and business studies - with a professional, practical and applied focus for their studies
• Encourage and develop a good standard of academic and professional written presentations

1. Demonstrate an applied understanding of policy development processes and techniques
2. Engage in an informed manner with policy controversies and debates with a particular focus on the policy development process
3. Assess the character, coherence and appropriateness of various policies and programs
4. Explain how the interaction between policy makers, the political process, and the community influences the outcomes of the policy process
5. Explain the nature of and changing dynamics in the relationship between professional public servants and elected politicians and their impact on public policy
6. Have advanced their skills in critical reading, professional writing, basic research, bibliographic engagement, academic analysis and verbal argument